NHL teams
Greg Wyshynski, ESPN 5y

Blues winger Thomas out for Game 2 of finals

NHL, St. Louis Blues

BOSTON -- The St. Louis Blues sat winger Robert Thomas for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final due to an injury they said is unrelated to the massive hit he took from Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug in Monday's series opener.

Forward Robby Fabbri, who has one goal in eight playoff games this postseason, drew in for the Blues, who scored a 3-2 overtime win to even the series at 1. 

Thomas has frequently missed morning skates with the Blues in the past few weeks, but has played in every playoff game. His line with Tyler Bozak and Pat Maroon was effective against the Dallas Stars in Round 2, when Thomas had a goal and three assists in seven games. But he had just one assist in his past seven games and was a minus-2 in the Blues' 4-2 loss to Boston in Game 1.

"Obviously it's a change for sure, but these guys are veteran players and have been around for a long time," coach Craig Berube said. "They'll be fine. It'll just be a different look for them."

Forward Jaden Schwartz said that the Blues have the depth to handle injury losses, and was excited to see what Fabbri can do coming off multiple knee surgeries that limited him to 32 games.

"We've had guys all year (be hurt). We've got guys sitting out who have played a lot of big games. This time of year, there's always injuries and we've been pretty healthy for the most part. But Fabs is a guy who's ready to go, and he's played in big games before. So we'll miss Thomas, but other guys are ready to go," he said before the game. "Guys who sit out are hungry to get in and you're excited. They want to take advantage of it. Any time you get fresh legs in they're obviously pumped up. We can use guys like that."

Defenseman Vince Dunn also was out again for St. Louis, still recovering from a puck to the face in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against San Jose.

^ Back to Top ^